George W. Kreider, for fully a quarter century a justice of the peace, first in the county and then the borough of Lebanon, and then an alderman of the city, was found dead, seated in his armchair at six o'clock this morning, at the Kreider home, 708 Walnut street. The discovery was made by his daughter, Miss Ida Kreider, a city public school teacher, who had been looking after her father's comfort since the death of Mrs. Kreider, five years ago. Death had come during the night, Mr. Kreider having evidently passed peacefully into his final rest as though falling asleep while engaged in reading, the lamp, by the light of which he nightly indulged in his favorite pastime, was still burning when Miss Kreider entered the dining room.
Mr. Kreider had been in failing health since the death of his wife, to whom he was devoted. He had just passed through a severe case of grip and this, with the loss of his helpmeet, weighed heavily on him. Of late his decline was more marked and he suffered from acute indigestion and heart complications, with the result that he was unable to use his bed, but rested comfortably on a spacious armchair, in which he read each evening until sleep came. As late as Monday Mr. Kreider was about the house as was his custom and at the time of bidding his daughter good night there was nothing in his appearance or conduct to give warning of the near approach of the end.
Mr. Kreider was born 81 years ago, a son of Gottleib Kreider, of Cornwall township. He learned the trade of saddler and followed it up to the time of accepting the appointment as assistant assessor in the internal revenue service under D. M. Karmany, of Lebanon, who was then, in 1869, the local internal revenue assessor. He continued in the office until it was abolished and for a brief time engaged in the grocery business. Next he was elected a justice of the peace in the district contained by the First and Fourth wards and continued as such until Lebanon became a city and he was made alderman of the First ward. Advancing years led him to relinquish the office and thereafter he lived a retired life with the exception of accepting appointment by the Court on road views and commissions.
In 1854 Mr. Kreider was married, his bride being Miss Anna Lear, who came here with her parents from her birthplace in Adams county. Since establishing their home here two-score and two years ago Mr. and Mrs. Kreider continued residents of Lebanon up to the time of their deaths, enjoying the high esteem of a wide circle of friends. Mr. Kreider leaves two children, Mrs. Joseph E. Leibig, of Bismarck, and Miss Ida Kreider, at home. Two sisters, Mrs. Kate Pefly, of Allentown, and Mrs. John Walter, of Annville, also survive.
Mr. Kreider was a staunch Republican in politics and during most of the years of his left he was actively engaged in promoting the interests and welfare of his party. He was an attendant at Salem Ev. Lutheran church.
Lebanon Daily News - Tuesday, May 28, 1912